Director, External Affairs

Department of the Premier and Cabinet QLD; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of the Premier and Cabinet QLD in Brisbane seeks a Director, External Affairs to lead a high-performing multi-disciplinary team at the centre of the Queensland Government. You will shape proactive media strategies, provide trusted advice to senior leaders and strengthen public understanding of issues that matter to Queenslanders.

You'll bring exceptional news judgement, strategic thinking and strong relationships to navigate a fast-moving media landscape.

Job description

Department of the Premier and Cabinet QLD – Brisbane QLD

Bring your media leadership to where it matters.

As Director, External Affairs in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, you'll lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team at the centre of the Queensland Government. Shaping proactive media strategies, navigating emerging issues and providing trusted advice to senior leaders, you will strengthen public understanding of issues that matter to Queenslanders.

This is a role for an accomplished media professional who understands what makes a story, knows how to sharpen an angle and has the judgement to know when and how to engage. You'll bring strong media instincts, established networks and a deep understanding of the contemporary media landscape, together with the ability to anticipate what's coming and identify opportunities in complex and fast-moving environments.

Working closely with journalists, senior leaders, stakeholders and decision-makers, you will help shape how significant issues are communicated and understood. You'll use media intelligence, analysis and stakeholder insights to develop proactive strategies, respond to emerging and high-profile matters and provide clear, confident advice when the pressure is on. You'll lead a multi-disciplinary team delivering strategic media and external affairs advice, proactive media strategies, speeches, media materials and public information. Just as importantly, you'll create an environment where people are supported to perform at their best working together and upholding high standards, with a strong focus on delivery.

Your career may have been built in journalism, corporate affairs, communications or an agency environment. What matters is the expertise you bring in exceptional news judgement, strategic thinking, strong relationships, leadership and the confidence to influence and advise at senior levels.

If you thrive on pace and complexity, know how to turn insight into opportunity and want to apply your media expertise to where it matters, this is an opportunity to lead high-impact work on issues of statewide significance and help shape how they are communicated and understood across Queensland.

Why Join Us

At DPC, you'll be part of a team that leads and connects the public sector, delivering outstanding advice and services that impact Queensland's future. It's in your hands.

DPC is committed to working with you to discuss adjustments to ensure you can best demonstrate your suitability for the role.

If you would like to discuss the role or would like additional support/adjustments during recruitment please contact Julia Sheedy on 0419 914 ***

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/707118/26

Closing Date: Thursday, 26 November 2026